FSB calls for satellite broadband to be used in Cumbria

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called for satellite broadband to be used to improve connectivity in Cumbria.

It wants Cumbria County Council to consider using the technology as part of the Connecting Cumbria project, in-cumbria reports.

The project currently aims to bring fibre optic broadband to 93 per cent of the region, but the FSB has claimed progress is not being carried out fast enough.

Speaking at a meeting yesterday (August 21st), Jonathan Davies, the FSB's Carlisle and Penrith branch chairman, stated: "Broadband provision is not fit for purpose and is stifling the growth of small businesses in a lot of cases. We want the county council to look at investment with alternative providers."

Last month, the FSB claimed broadband across the UK is not good enough for small businesses, while Mr Davies said internet access has now become the "fourth utility".

Cumbria in particular has struggled for connectivity due to being a largely rural region. However, this is not a barrier to the deployment of satellite broadband.